Explore the most popular hiking trails in Columbia National Wildlife Refuge with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you.

Cool hike- hard to follow if you don’t have your map out (download it first). Also be ready for cows. My dog and I triggered a little stampede when we got out of the car and scared the crap out of some people further down the trail...so just be mindful/aware and careful!

As some of the other reviews mentioned, the trail disappears once the view of the lake is gone. I used the GPS to loosely follow the trail. It is too bad, because some of the views are awesome, especially when up on the ridge. I do not advise as a family hike. Even the portion of the trail that is visible has long grass extending over the trail. Also, no trail markings. Pretty area though.

This is not a loop trail. The "trail" disappears completely a little over halfway through and much of the trail before that (after leaving the lakes) is completely covered by tumbleweed. The only way we were able to complete the loop was by following the GPS on this map step by step, requiring well over a mile of complete off trail route finding through "sticker" infested ground cover. This then ends with a nearly vertical decent down the side of the hill immediately south of where you start. Recommend only completing this to the overlook and back (the only part in the map that is an out and back detour) and then return to the trail the way you came. Hike was nice up to that point.

Getting to the start is a bit of a chore, it's a couple miles of the main road and very bumpy. The trail itself starts out nice. There were lots of cows. Lots of cows. The trail starts to lose its definition after about a half mile or so, making it easy to get off course. With the lack of grooming in a clear trail you are left to navigate by your own sense of direction. That's really what drags this trail down. Did I mention the cattle herd that wanders the land ?

3 trails to pick from. All are extremely easy to do, marked very well and maintenance around the trail is well-kept. There is parking for these trails across the gravel road. Dogs are allowed there, as long as they have leashes. We didn't see any rattlesnakes (we went at noon, 93 degrees at the time). I do have to say those horse flies are a pain so please make sure you have proper pants on when hiking. i had leggings on and got bit by them quite a bit. My child on the other hand had on jeans and didn't get bit..

There are three trails available from where you park your car. We took the three mile option that took us on the ridge and we were able to see all around for miles. It was a well marked trail with informative signs. It was very enjoyable and quiet. Definitely recommend. Only word of warning is the written description of directions is correct while the map and GPS link sends you about 15 miles away.

I had the marvelous fortune of working as a Biological Sciences Aide on this Refuge in 2004. Best job of my life and some of the greatest people. I volunteered for them before and after the employment. I've stomped over much of this area and never failed to enjoy a second of my time there.